Metformin is widely used in the treatment of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), yet data supporting its long term efficacy in this population are scant. In this retrospective cohort study, Jensterle et al. report data from their centre’s longitudinal follow-up (for up to 10 years) of women with a diagnosis of PCOS, concomitant overweight/obesity, and normal glucose handling at baseline.

From the data collected from 159 women, there was evidence that metformin had beneficial effects on body weight and glucose homeostasis, plus improved androgen levels and menstrual regularity. However, whilst significant adverse effects were not observed, long term adherence to metformin treatment was low, with >75% of patients having discontinued metformin by 5 years, and only 6% of patients still on metformin after 10 years.

Read the full article in Endocrine Connections 9 44−54